Logging out means ending your session so someone else cannot access your account
When you log out, you tell the device or website that you are done using it. Your account stays there — you have not deleted anything — but your session ends. The next person who opens that app or website will see a login screen, not your account. Logging out is the main way to keep your accounts safe on shared devices, public computers, or when you are done for the day.
The steps to log out are different on almost every platform. A website might have a menu in the top right corner. An app might have a settings button. A computer might have a power menu. This guide covers the most common places to look and what to do when you find them.
Key Takeaways
- Logging out ends your session but does not delete your account or any of your data.
- On websites, look for a menu in the top right corner or a profile icon with your name or picture.
- On phones and tablets, log out through the app's settings, usually found in a menu or gear icon.
- On shared computers, always log out before walking away, especially on public machines.
- If you cannot find a log out button, restarting the device or clearing your browser's stored login information will end your session.
Logging out of websites in your browser
Most websites put the log out button in the top right corner of the page. Look for your name, a profile picture, or a small icon that looks like a person. Click or tap it, and a menu should drop down. One of the options will say "Log Out", "Sign Out", or "Exit".
If you do not see a menu in the top right, try the top left. Some websites put navigation there instead. You might also find it under a hamburger menu — three horizontal lines stacked on top of each other. Click the hamburger, then look through the options for log out.
If you still cannot find it, try looking at the very bottom of the page. Some websites hide the log out link in the footer, often next to links like "About" or "Contact Us". If none of these work, you can also log out by clearing your browser's stored login information. In most browsers, you can do this by going to Settings, then Privacy or History, and selecting "Clear browsing data". Make sure the box for "Cookies" or "Cached images and files" is checked.
Logging out of apps on your phone or tablet
Open the app and look for a settings button. This is usually a gear icon, three dots stacked vertically, or three horizontal lines. Tap it to open a menu.
Once the menu is open, scroll down and look for options like "Account", "Settings", "Profile", or "Log Out". Tap whichever one appears. If you see "Account" or "Settings" first, tap that, and the log out option should be on the next screen.
Some apps do not have a dedicated log out button. If you cannot find one after checking the settings menu, you can force the app to log you out by going to your phone's main settings, finding the app in the list of installed apps, and selecting "Clear Cache" or "Clear Data". This will remove your stored login information and force you to enter your password the next time you open the app. Be aware that clearing data might also delete messages, photos, or other information stored within the app.
Logging out on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers
On a Windows computer, click the Start button in the bottom left corner. Then click your profile picture or name in the top left of the menu that appears. Select "Sign out" from the options.
On a Mac, click the Apple menu in the top left corner of the screen. Select "Log Out [Your Name]" from the dropdown. A dialog box will appear asking if you are sure. Click "Log Out" again to confirm.
On Linux, the log out option is usually in the top right corner of the screen. Look for a power icon or a menu with your username. Click it and select "Log Out" or "Sign Out".
If you are on a shared computer and want to make sure no one can access your account, restart the computer after logging out. This closes all programs and clears temporary files from memory.
Logging out of email accounts
Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and other email services usually have the log out button in the top right corner. Look for your profile picture or initial in a circle. Click it, and a menu will drop down with a "Sign out" or "Log out" option at the bottom.
If you use email on your phone through the built-in Mail app rather than the website, go to your phone's settings, find the Mail or Email app, and look for account settings. You may need to remove the account from the app to log out completely. On some phones, you can also go to Settings, then Accounts, find your email account, and select "Remove Account".
If you have set up email on a desktop computer using Outlook, Apple Mail, or another email client, you usually log out by closing the program. Some email clients have a separate log out option in the menu, but most simply close the connection when you quit the application.
Logging out when you cannot find the button
If a website or app does not seem to have a log out option, try these steps in order. First, restart the app or close and reopen your browser. This often ends your session without needing to find a button.
Second, clear your browser's cookies and cached data. In Chrome, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then Clear Browsing Data. In Firefox, go to Settings, then Privacy and Security, then scroll down to Cookies and Site Data and click Clear. In Safari on Mac, go to Safari menu, then Preferences, then Privacy, then Manage Website Data, select the website, and click Remove.
Third, if you are on a computer you do not own or share with others, restart the entire computer. This will end all sessions and clear temporary login information from memory. On a phone or tablet, restarting the device will also end most sessions, though some apps may keep you logged in if they have stored your password.
Why logging out matters on shared devices
If you use a computer, phone, or tablet that other people also use, logging out is essential. Without logging out, the next person who opens that device or browser can see your email, messages, photos, banking information, and anything else in your accounts.
This is especially important on public computers at libraries, schools, or internet cafes. Always log out before you leave. If you forget, go back and log out as soon as you remember. If you cannot go back, change your password from a different device as soon as possible. Changing your password will log you out of all sessions, including the one you left open.
On your own personal device that only you use, logging out is less critical for security, but many people still do it at the end of the day as a habit. It also frees up memory and can make your device run slightly faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does logging out delete my account or my data?
No. Logging out only ends your current session. Your account, messages, photos, files, and everything else stays exactly where it is. The next time you log in with your username and password, you will see everything again.
What is the difference between logging out and deleting my account?
Logging out ends your session temporarily. Deleting your account is permanent and removes all your data from the service. If you only want to stop using something for a while, log out. If you want to remove your account completely, look for a "Delete Account" or "Close Account" option in settings, but understand that this cannot usually be undone.
If I log out on one device, does it log me out everywhere?
Usually not. Logging out on your phone does not automatically log you out on your computer or tablet. However, if you change your password, that will log you out of all devices at once. Some services also have a "Log Out All Sessions" or "Sign Out Everywhere" option in security settings.
What should I do if I forgot to log out on a public computer?
Change your password from a different device as soon as possible. This will end all active sessions, including the one you left open. After that, your old password will no longer work, so anyone trying to use your account on that public computer will be locked out.
Can I log out without finding a log out button?
Yes. Closing your browser, restarting the app, or restarting your device will end most sessions. You can also clear your browser's cookies and cached data, which removes the stored information that keeps you logged in. If you are on a shared device, restarting is the safest option.